Q&A: HIV, Stress, Building Locations, Management Tools, ICT and Development, Education

Topics included:

• HIV and Harm Reduction
• Stress Management for Staff
• Choosing a Building Location
• Management Tools for Small NGOs T
• echnology and Community Development
• Education in Difficult Circumstances
• Buying a New Vehicle

Can you offer any insights or pointers to useful information/contacts on these topics? Thank you.

Responses to the previous questions are summarised below. Please continue the discussions online at Aid Workers Forum or e-mail exchange@aidworkers.net

New Questions

HIV AND HARM REDUCTION

Simon Graham would like your advice about grassroots community-based approaches to HIV and harm reduction. Do you have experience to share? What about sources of information? Email exchange@aidworkers.net or join the discussion online at http://oldforum.aidworkers.net/messages/141/383.html

STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR STAFF

John Fawcett asks how to provide support for front-line aid workers, especially stress and trauma management. Do you have any tips for him? His question concerns both international and local staff. Email exchange@aidworkers.net or join the discussion online at http://oldforum.aidworkers.net/messages/140/21.html

CHOOSING A BUILDING LOCATION

Have you ever had to choose a location for your organization's office, residence, or warehouse? What has been your experience? Irendra Radjawali wants to hear from you. "What should I consider?" Email exchange@aidworkers.net or join the discussion online at http://oldforum.aidworkers.net/messages/140/30.html

Responses

TOOLS, TEMPLATES, SYSTEMS FOR A SMALL NGO

Alex mentions that Mango's website includes a "range of financial tools and templates ... specially developed for NGOs". These could provide a good start, though adapting the tools to meet an organization's goals usually requires an accountant. Maeve suggests reading "How to Build A Good Small NGO," which can be downloaded from networklearning.org. Fiona lists details of some recommended books on nonprofit management. Continue the discussion at http://oldforum.aidworkers.net/messages/140/33.html

ICT FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Emmanuel and others share links to online resources and best practice websites. Jayne recommends the Human Service Information Technology Applications website as a starting place. Ana Maria adds "The Association for Progressive Communications is a great window to many tools." Maja suggests the case studies published by Youth Creating Digital Opportunities (YCDO).Carolin offers an IICD report with summaries of worldwide ICT case studies. Continue the discussion at http://oldforum.aidworkers.net/messages/141/424.html

EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR COMMUNITIES IN CRISIS

Amalia recommends the Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) which provides resources for the setting of curricula, hiring of teachers and selection of school structures. Rebecca adds that an "excellent review of refugee education situations and programs can be found on the UNHCR publications website." Admira describes how feeding programs can attract children to school and build community participation. Wangui Nganga stresses that education programs should emphasize "self-reliance ... more so when we are talking about education for girls and women." She points to COPE and ABEK in Uganda as examples of alternative education. Continue the discussion at http://oldforum.aidworkers.net/messages/141/444.html

BUYING A NEW VEHICLE

Responding to last week's article, Brett and Tim offer practical offroad driving tips. Tim includes a word of warning: "Consider providing training even for drivers who say they know it all - no one does!" Dave notes that international vehicle-procurement groups might be able to get a lower price by eliminating taxes. Camilla shares the difficulties her organization faced in transferring a second-hand vehicle across a legislative boundary. Nick provides a link to his article on vehicles and aid operations. In it he mentions the specialist transport NGOs Riders For Health and Transaid. Continue the discussion at http://oldforum.aidworkers.net/messages/258/476.html

Aid Workers Exchange 12-FEB-03 ISSN 1478-5137